The American Society of Safety Engineers said a new American National Standard Institute, A10.22-2007, Safety Requirements for Rope-Guided and Non-Guided Workers' Hoists, is available that recognizes the need for protection of personnel using rope-guided and non-guided workers' hoists in construction and demolition.

ANSI approved the standard Feb. 7, 2007. It sets minimum requirements for temporary personnel hoisting systems used to transport people to and from working elevations during normal operations, including maintenance, and is restricted to use in special situations such as work in chimneys, chimney linings, silos, towers, stacks, shafts, and similar projects; when necessary to hoist or lower a person in a boatswain's chair or equivalent; and for transportation of materials but not along with hoisting of personnel, ASSE said.

ASSE is the secretariat for the A10 Accredited Standards Committee on construction and demolition operations. "The A10.22 standard provides important safety requirements for the protection of individuals using rope-guided and non-guided workers' hoists while working in construction and demolition operation," said Committee Chairman Richard King, CSP. "The A10.22 standard is a valuable tool that encourages and supplies employers and workers with practical guidelines for providing a safer workplace." The standard will be available soon in print and electronically; contact customer service at 847-699-2929 or visit http://www.asse.org for assistance.